2016 328i Security Question

[dcooperhc]

I walked out to my driveway this morning to find my door ajar and my golf clubs and Bimmertech MMI unit missing from my car. I alway lock my car so I'm pretty sure it was locked but the alarm didn't go off and I don't see any damage. The other curious thing is that the MMI unit was very neatly removed -- the cover popped off and all of the connectors unsnapped. The rest of the stereo was intact and not removed.

I suppose I could have left it unlocked, but I'm now paranoid. Is it possible to get the car open without damage or setting the alarm and who the hell would know to steal an MMI unit stuffed under the stereo?

Thanks,

Dwayne

[RBNetEngr]

They probably used a relay device:

https://youtu.be/xk_fTTlGcMA


-rb

[dworthy]

Yes, thieves are high tech now and will intercept the signal from your car key even if you are not close to the car. I would recommend keeping your keys in a Faraday Cage at night for the key will always attempt to contact the car.

Next step will be to contact your insurance company and file a claim.

[dcooperhc]

Thanks for the info; I'm in talks with my insurance company about replacement value and all that. Upon closer inspection, there are is some damage to the inner part of the window frame so it looks like they used a slim jim to flick open the door handle and get in. The curious part is that the alarm didn't go off. I did some testing and it seems like if the fob is within range of the car, the alarm doesn't go off if you open it from the inside even after locking it with the fob. My keys hang on a hook inside the door which is only 15 feet or so from the car. I'm sure everyone but me knows this, but I was effectively turning off my alarm by parking it in my driveway. Lesson learned.